CHAPTER 30 The Pipe

WhenStubbhaddeparted,Ahabstoodforawhileleaningoverthebulwarks;andthen,ashadbeenusualwithhimoflate,callingasailorofthewatch,hesenthimbelowforhisivorystool,andalsohispipe.Lightingthepipeatthebinnaclelampandplantingthestoolontheweathersideofthedeck,hesatandsmoked.

InoldNorsetimes,thethronesofthesea-lovingDanishkingswerefabricated,saithtradition,ofthetusksofthenarwhale.HowcouldonelookatAhabthen,seatedonthattripodofbones,withoutbethinkinghimoftheroyaltyitsymbolized?ForaKhanoftheplank,andakingofthesea,andagreatlordofLeviathanswasAhab.

Somemomentspassed,duringwhichthethickvaporcamefromhismouthinquickandconstantpuffs,whichblewbackagainintohisface."Hownow,"hesoliloquizedatlast,withdrawingthetube,"thissmokingnolongersoothes.Oh,mypipe!hardmustitgowithmeifthycharmbegone!HerehaveIbeenunconsciouslytoiling,notpleasuring—aye,andignorantlysmokingtowindwardallthewhile;towindward,andwithsuchnervouswhiffs,asif,likethedyingwhale,myfinaljetswerethestrongestandfullestoftrouble.WhatbusinesshaveIwiththispipe?Thisthingthatismeantforsereneness,tosendupmildwhitevaporsamongmildwhitehairs,notamongtorniron-greylockslikemine.I'llsmokenomore—"Hetossedthestilllightedpipeintothesea.Thefirehissedinthewaves;thesameinstanttheshipshotbythebubblethesinkingpipemade.Withslouchedhat,Ahablurchinglypacedtheplanks.